Collections

HMML has worked in Europe since our founding in 1965. Almost 100,000 manuscripts are available in Latin and vernacular languages, with particular strengths in manuscripts from Austria, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

HMML has photographed archival material and manuscript books related to the history of Malta and of the Sovereign Military Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta. The collections include libraries and archives in Malta, Europe, and throughout the Mediterranean region.

An extensive image archive of more than 40,000 manuscripts in Arabic, Armenian, Coptic, Ge’ez (Ethiopic), Malayalam, Slavonic, and Syriac. These manuscripts trace the spread of Christianity from its origins in Palestine across the Middle East, the Caucasus, Europe, Africa, and India.

HMML has partnered with major libraries and communities in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia to preserve and share manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and various African languages. The vast collections reveal both a shared Islamic heritage and local traditions.

Prints and art objects dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, typically on religious themes. Most of the collection was the gift of liturgical artist Frank Kacmarcik, Obl. OSB (d. 2004), who spent a lifetime gathering materials into his “Arca Artium” (“Ark of the Arts”) to inspire his work.

Manuscripts and printed books from the Saint John’s Abbey collection, the Kacmarcik collection, and HMML’s own holdings. Notable are the early printed Bibles and Qur‘ans, liturgical texts, and monastic writings; medieval manuscript fragments; early Eastern Christian imprints; works related to the Military Orders; 15th to 20th century fine printing.

An illuminated manuscript Bible in modern English written on vellum using traditional tools and techniques. Guided by Benedictine tradition, an international team of scribes and artists created a Bible for the 21st century that echoes the past in its methods and materials, while speaking to the present in its visual design and language.